Uzbekistan

Country in Central Asia

Map of Uzbekistan

Ancient Bactrian artifact

Empire of Timur

Historical painting by Vereshchagin

Uzbekistan (Template:Lang-uz), officially the Republic of Uzbekistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is surrounded by five countries: Kazakhstan to the north; Kyrgyzstan to the northeast; Tajikistan to the southeast; Afghanistan to the south; and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Uzbekistan is a presidential republic, with its capital in Tashkent.

History

The region that is now Uzbekistan has a rich history, having been part of the Persian Empire, the Empire of Alexander the Great, and the Timurid Empire. The area was a key part of the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West.

Ancient and Medieval Periods

The earliest recorded inhabitants of Central Asia were Iranian nomads who arrived from the northern grasslands of what is now Uzbekistan sometime in the first millennium BC. These nomads, who spoke an Eastern Iranian language, settled in the region and built an extensive irrigation system along the rivers.

Timurid Empire

The region was conquered by Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, who established the Timurid Empire with its capital in Samarkand. Timur's empire was known for its cultural achievements and architectural wonders.

Russian Empire and Soviet Union

In the 19th century, the region was gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Uzbekistan became part of the Soviet Union as the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

Independence

Uzbekistan declared independence from the Soviet Union on 31 August 1991. Islam Karimov became the first President of Uzbekistan, serving until his death in 2016. He was succeeded by Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Geography

Uzbekistan is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes mountains, deserts, and fertile valleys. The country is predominantly arid, with the Kyzylkum Desert covering much of its territory.

Climate

The climate of Uzbekistan is classified as continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The country experiences low annual rainfall, making water resources a critical issue.

Politics

Uzbekistan is a unitary state with a presidential system. The President of Uzbekistan is the head of state and government. The Oliy Majlis is the national parliament, consisting of two chambers: the Legislative Chamber and the Senate.

Economy

Uzbekistan has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The country is a major producer of cotton, gold, and natural gas.

Culture

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Persian, Turkic, and Russian cultures. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Cuisine

Uzbek cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables) and manti (dumplings).

Gallery

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  Russian troops entering Central Asia

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  Traditional Uzbek clothing

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  Uzbekistan in the United Nations

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  Climate map of Uzbekistan

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  Cotton picking in Karakalpakstan

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  Water stress map

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  Aral Sea changes from 1989 to 2014

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  Water reservoir in Uzbekistan

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  Oliy Majlis, the Parliament of Uzbekistan

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  Islam Karimov

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  Shavkat Mirziyoyev

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  Abdulla Aripov

Related pages

• Silk Road
• Timur
• Central Asia